Idaho State Employees Ask Lawmakers For Raises

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho public employees are pressing lawmakers for better working conditions and more competitive wages. Dozens of state workers made emotional appeals at the Capitol Monday during a two-hour listening session organized by Democrats.

Many workers who testified complained they've only received minimal raises during their tenures with various state agencies and departments. But low salaries aren't the only concerns. Employees from law enforcement, the Idaho Transportation Department and educators said there are too few opportunities for career advancement. Others noted training programs have diminished.

In response to economic downturn in 2008, many state agencies implemented furloughs and layoffs. Lawmakers approved a 2 percent merit raise to state employees in 2012, but data shows the average hourly pay for Idaho state workers is still 10.7 percent below eight surrounding states.